Mental Wellbeing
We are working with rugby specific mental health charity LooseHeadz to keep the rugby community healthy by promoting healthy discussion around mental wellbeing and signposting those who need it to expert advice.
It is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health illness each year in the UK. For these people, the pressures and strains of life and work can act as a catalyst to mental health problems, with the most common being depression and anxiety.
The links between good physical health and mental health are well recognised. Physical activity such as playing rugby can be very beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as bringing physical benefits.
1. Mental Wellbeing Club and Community Game Guidance
This resource has been created to support the rugby community because we know that clubs are often places that people join to feel welcomed, engaged, safe and supported.
It gives evidenced based, practical and relevant guidance for everyone and has been prepared and researched by The Mental Health Foundation. Better mental health can lead to better performance levels because issues are tackled earlier. It can also lead to welcoming spaces for all and to be able to serve the needs of their communities.
Rugby clubs are where people feel they belong and can enjoy the links between good physical and mental health. The purpose of this guidance is to support and feed into the amazing local initiatives which are vital to the game and which support the rugby family.
2. Mental Wellbeing Posters
These posters have been created to allow clubs to promote and increase awareness of important mental wellbeing messages and the support available.
There are five different downloadable Mental Wellbeing posters available:
- Spotting the signs
- Having a conversation
- Creating a kinder culture
- Where can you get help?
- What are we talking about?
Download Where Can You Get Help.pdf
Download What Are We Talking About.pdf
Download Spotting the Signs.pdf
3. LooseHeadz
LooseHeadz are the leading rugby mental health charity with a mission to place a mental health lead (a ‘LooseHead’) at every rugby club in the world.
Their aim is to start the conversation that inspires a global movement towards better mental wellbeing. They believe that by building a community, united around a shared mission, we can begin to turn the tide against poor mental health.
Their goal is to prevent, promote, educate, and signpost around mental health by providing a toolkit of Mental Health resources, completely free of charge.
Join the movement, get your club signed up to the LooseHeadz Partnership Programme and together, we can #TackleTheStigma.
Visit LooseHeadz
Download LooseHeadz Mental Fitness Toolkit
4. Mental Health Training
CBs, clubs, schools, colleges, and universities may want to arrange mental health training for coaches, staff, volunteers, players etc.
There are a number of reputable organisations and charities offering mental health awareness training. There are online and face to face options that can vary greatly in terms of time and cost.
When organising face to face training, always check that the trainer delivering the course is appropriately qualified and that the content is relevant for the attendees.
Online Training
The Looseheadz Introduction to Mental Health is a free online resource which aims to provide a greater understanding of mental health, as well as an overview of how to spot common signs of mental health disorders in others. The Looseheadz Introduction to Mental Health resource was developed in colaboration with the Mental Health Foundation.
5. Mental Health Webinars
Watch on-demand webinars, with former England Rugby captain Dylan Hartley talking about mental health issues.
He’s joined by guest, David Beeney, who has years of experience talking about (and not talking about) mental health. Listen to healthy discussions about mental wellbeing, creating kinder cultures in clubs and the importance of looking out for each other.
6. Constituent Body Projects
There are several local mental health initiatives and projects being run by Constituent Bodies (CBs) and local organisations. Find out what is happening in your area.
These are some great examples of how rugby clubs are making a difference in mental health through different initiatives to create kinder cultures and support positive mental wellbeing in clubs.
7. Other Mental Health Training
CBs, clubs, schools, colleges and universities may want to arrange mental health training for coaches, staff, volunteers, players etc. There are a number of reputable organisations and charities offering mental health awareness training.
Face to Face Training
When organising face to face courses, always check that the trainer delivering the course is appropriately qualified and that the content is relevant for the attendees. There are numerous face to face training options available including:
- MIND runs a face to face Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity course
- StreetGames is a charity that runs a Youth Mental Health First Aid course aimed at coaches, staff and other volunteers working with young people
8. Further support for Mental Health
The NHS provides general information on Mental Health and services that are available.
NHS 111
24-hour advice on urgent medical concerns from a trained advisor that can help you connect to a nurse or GP.
T: 111
Text RUGBY to 85258
They are available for anyone who needs them. They provide a confidential, non-judgemental and safe environment for people to talk about concerns and issues they are having.
T: 116 123 (Free 24-hour number)
E: jo@samaritans.org
Childline
Especially for children. A free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything, whatever their worry, whenever it is needed.
T: 0800 1111 (Free 24-hour number)
9. Mental Health Organisations & Charities
Mental Health Foundation (MHF)
The MHF offers information on mental health, mental health problems, self-help and how to get help.
Mind is a mental health charity that provides advice and support. There is a network of local Minds across England and Wales that offer specialised support and care based on the needs of the communities they support. Mind offers Urgent Help Advice for anyone needing it.
T: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm).
Email: info@mind.org.uk
A charity specifically focused on promoting positive mental health in children and young people. They also provide specific guidance and Parents and Carers.
T: 0808 8025544
A charity that works with students and universities to improve the mental health of students.
UK Coaching has useful information on the role coaches play in supporting others and promoting good mental health through their coaching. It highlights the impact that this can have on a coach’s own mental health and provides guidance on how coaches can understand and maintain their own mental wellbeing.
